Used 2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M) Consumer Reviews
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A niche car, but fits perfectly in it.
speedysteve, Washington, DC, 02/08/2012
Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
40 of 42 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Forester XT for 6 years now, and it has been a very fun car. The only repair I've had is the alternator. It's far faster than it looks and I love being able to floor it on the highway in 5th and it just goes. It looks good, carries a fair amount of stuff when I go camping, and is great in the snow.
Speak softly, carry a big stick!
Nuvolari, 02/09/2004
Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. There is little turbo-lag, the gears are well matched to the engine. It's a comfortable car for something of its modest exterior dimensions and is extremely maneuverable in tight spots despite high cargo volume and practicality. Fit and finish is superior. Every car is a compromise: Subaru has attained perfection. You can buy a slightly faster sports car that is far less practical. You can buy a slightly more comfortable euro wagon that is twice as expensive. You can buy a minivan that's somewhat more practical but completely not fun to drive.
Trade Up
fotd, 02/08/2004
Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I traded my '03 X for an '04 XT. I loved the X and feel the same about the XT. The icrease in power is just what the doctor ordered. Plenty of power throughout the rev range. Hardly any turbo lag. Good tourqe for driving in the PA mountains. I never thought the fastest car I ever owner would be a wagon! (I know it's an SUV) The 5spd is a great match for the turbo motor. Great saftey features. Great "stealth" vehicle. This is truly a "do-it-all" vehicle. Gripes: The Auto Climate control does not work well. No sunroof with a 5spd, what gives? I wish the rear windows were factory tint. All of theses are minimal complaints. Overall I rate this car a 10.
Plain and Simple Truth
juanmafxt, Wayne, PA, 08/06/2013
updated 08/10/2021
Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
26 of 31 people found this review helpful
This is the pioneer of a now trendy sport crossovers. There are a lot of copycats nowadays, but this one is the real thing. Manual transmission, 4.44FD, AWD with 50/50 torque split, STI engine 2.5L, factory turbocharged with low compression pistons, forged rods and crankshaft, disc brakes, LSD and fully independent suspension. Most parts from the WRX and STI are swappable since they share the platform. Tons of aftermarket parts available and can be modified to go very fast with simply an Sti turbo and Sti top mount intercooler. Great sleeper vehicle. Gearing is very tight. Highway cruising at 60mph is about 2500 RPMs. A little high, but conpromises are necessary for such high gearing. Acceleration is aggressive, specialy from 0-30mph. This is a vehicle meant and designed to run on the STI turbo and tmic. The factory small turbine combined with the 4.44 FD allows for even quicker acceleration when compared to the WRX. Sti springs are on the stiff side, so I recommend softer rated ones. Swapping in full STI suspension can take its toll on daily commuting. In terms of reliability, so far I've had window motors that fail, starter failed at 10 years, misfire codes for coilpacks, rack and pinion leaks, and oil leaks. ABs light on, and charcoal canister codes that result in gas pressure nozzle pop out during filling. Very annoying. All in all, it is a very fast, practical, and highly reliable station wagon. The XT variants are very rare, specially during 2004-08 years. Manual versions are even rarer. Very few cars today have the mechanical attributes this vehicle has, rewarding you with a great bargain and collectibility. Did I mention it was Made in Japan? Reliable if kept stock. Can be a handful when modified.
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Why the XT is on 1 of 5 best Trucks 2004
DeathRatel, 02/13/2004
Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
When the dealer pulled up w/ a XT I couldn't keep my smile down. I told him all you have to say is: 60 in 5.3!!! This is no simple grocery-getter this is a Mustang, Camaro, and yes Corvetter getter. The "wagon" is the ulimate "Sleeper". The ULTIMATE low-riding, SUV, AWD, MAD-POWER, space-for-all vehicle is at your nearby Subaru dealership. When you go test drive this monster in disguise, try, just try to keep your smile down!!! Happy Cruisin' -Adam
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